The correct exit?
Submitted by ken on Wed, 09/02/2009 - 12:25pm
This summer I had the opportunity to perform with Glen Campbell at the Big Valley Jamboree in Camrose, Alberta. It was a brilliant summer day in Alberta; around 80 degrees, dry, with a slight breeze, perfect 
conditions for an outdoor show. This has been a successful event since it's origination in 1992. The jamboree features country performers from all over North America and according to promotional materials contributes up to $10 million dollars for the local economy. Much of that goes to musicians; Canadian and American as well performers from Australia and the UK.
We took the stage @ 5 P.M. and in spite of a brief and ineffectual sound check the show went well. The stage was one of the largest I've ever performed on and appeared to be very well constructed. I remember remarking backstage how well constructed the stage appeared to be. We finished our set @ 6 P.M. and returned to our hotel in Edmunton in preparation for our flights the following morning. Next day I arrived home around 5 P.M to mega heat , longing for that great Canadian weather. An hour later I got a text from one of my band mates telling me to Google "big valley jamboree stage collapse." We were all shocked to learn that a freak storm blew up that afternoon and that the stage collapsed exactly 24 hours after our set had ended.
Had I been on stage I would have done what any of us would do. I would have grabbed my instrument and ran backstage and tried to get the hell out of there. In this situation, that would have been the wrong thing to do. Not only did the stage itself collapse but the support structures on top and both sides collapsed in and back onto the stage, right where I would have been. The proper action would have been to jump off the front of the stage, something I never would have done. What did I learn? I will strive to be more aware of my gig situation; whether it's a symphony stage, night club or festival and to visualize my options in advance. I realize that the improbable can become reality and one's decision can greatly impact the future.
Take care out there, no matter how familiar the situation,
Ken